New Delhi: Delhi has been grappling with persistent air pollution and a poor air quality index. The air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘very poor’ category, as the AQI was recorded at 313 as per the Central Pollution Control Board on Sunday at 7 a.m. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is severe.
Amid Delhi’s notorious pollution levels, a remarkable home in Sainik Farms offers a breath of fresh air. Yes, you heard it right. The home maintains an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 10-15. Owned by Peter Singh and Nino Kaur, this eco-friendly residence maintains an impressively low AQI of 10-15, achieved through its sustainable design and environmentally conscious living practices. The residence incorporated over 15,000 plants and advanced self-sustaining techniques.
Departing from conventional designs, it avoids the use of paint and plaster. Instead, traditional construction techniques have been embraced, using bricks bound with lime mortar rather than cement, and lime as a natural alternative to modern paints.
The roof, instead of a conventional concrete slab, is topped with stone tiles. This eco-friendly design not only enhances sustainability but also regulates indoor temperatures, keeping the house noticeably cooler during Delhi’s scorching summer months.
Water conservation is a standout feature of the house, which collects rainwater in a 15,000-litre tank to irrigate plants. Water is also meticulously recycled, ensuring no single drop is wasted.
What truly sets this home apart is its ability to produce its food. Peter and Nino, the duo couple, grow their vegetables organically and sustainably throughout the year, eliminating the need to buy from the market. Even in a city heavily impacted by stubble burning from neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana, which significantly contributes to Delhi’s air pollution, the couple has found an innovative way to repurpose this stubble effectively.
They repurpose the stubble by mixing it with organic compost to create fertilizer, which they use to cultivate mushrooms right inside their home. This green sanctuary emerged from a deeply personal crisis. Following Nino’s battle with blood cancer, which left her lungs especially vulnerable, the couple resolved to create a pollution-free living space. Guided by Ayurvedic principles and a commitment to organic living, they transformed their home into a shining example of environmental sustainability.
